4901-481 Monitoring and Evaluation of Rural Development Projects

The module consists of lectures as well as guided group work using case studies from recent projects implemented by international organizations such as the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). The lecture covers important methods used in the design, monitoring and evaluation of development projects. It begins with the so-called theory of change that helps to map the logical chain of how project inputs achieve changes in outcomes. It then covers the various evaluation designs and methods used in practice and differentiates methods for data collection and monitoring by multiple stakeholders of development projects. Students are introduced to the rationale behind doing financial and economic appraisal of development projects. Furthermore, students will review existing rural development projects, implemented by IFAD and other organizations in a group work exercise.